Turkey Shoots at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi (Big Cove) in Cherokee, N.C. Good food, good fun, great prizes, great benefits.

• Sept. 5 at 12 p.m., fundraiser for Kolanvyi Over-40 Indian Ball Team. In addition to the regular Turkey Shoot, a special round will be shot. Shooters will pay $20 for a chance to win a Benelli 12-gauge pump shotgun. All contestants will shoot the gun in the competition, and the winner will take the gun home.
• Sept. 12 at 5 p.m., fundraiser for the Turkey Shoot facility
• Sept. 26 at 5 p.m., fundraiser for Big Cove Free Labor
• Oct. 17 at 5 p.m., Annual Jesse Welch Memorial Turkey Shoot sponsored by family

Fingerweaving Fridays. starting Sept. 4 from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People Art Studio, 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC. 28719.Bring a project you’re working on or select materials from the Museum’s supplies. Open to enrolled EBCI members, EBCI parents & spouses. Registration is not required: just show up! INFO: (828) 497-3481

YK Visuals Youth Media Camp. Sept 9 – Sept 11 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at EBCI Communications 1501 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Videography, photography, graphic design, podcasting for ages 8-18. INFO: (828) 359-7027

From Darkness Into Hope. Sept. 10 from 3 p.m. – 7p.m. at the Oconaluftee Island Park US-441 N & Newfound Gap Rd S, Cherokee, NC 28719. Annual Mental health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Event. INFO: (828) 359-6180

10^th Annual Cherokee Skate Jam. Sept. 12 registration opens at 8 a.m. competition starts at 11 a.m. Cherokee Skatepark 1036 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. For beginners, intermediate, advance/ open and best trick categories. INFO: Text (828) 736-6170 or (828) 736-2698.

3^rd Annual Shrednanigans. Sept. 19 from 12 noon – 6 p.m. at BCO Cherokee 516 Tsalagi Blvd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Music, food, games, bike show, relay, prizes, Fire Mountain prize hunt, bounce house, foam party, shuttles to Fire Mountain. Free admission.  INFO:  on Facebook -7 Moons MTB.

Honoring Long Person. Sept. 25 from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. meet at Peaches Squirrel Recreation Complex 1139 US-19, Cherokee, NC. 28719. Share a meal, learn about river heritage, then head to the different parts of the Oconaluftee to clean. INFO: facebook.com/HonoringLongPerson.

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. Oct. 7 – Oct. 12 at Burgess – Oocumma Veterans Memorial Cemetery 21 Longbranch Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. The 51^st Anniversary of the ending of the “Vietnam War”. C0-hosted by the American Legion Steve Youngdeer Post #143 and EBCI Cherokee Parks and Recreation Department.

ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏂᏬᏂᏍᎩ ᏗᏓᏅᏓᏗᏍᏗ ᎢᎦ  tsalagi aniwonisgi didandadisdi iga (Cherokee Speakers Memorial Day) ceremony. Nov 24 at 10 a.m. at the Cherokee Speakers Place. Join to honor and remember the Cherokee speakers whose voices, wisdom, and dedication have helped preserve and sustain language for future generations.

Fingerweaving Fridays. Every Friday in September from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Museum of the Cherokee People Art Studio in Cherokee, N.C. Bring a project you’re working on or select materials from the Museum’s supplies. Open to enrolled EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) members, EBCI parents and spouses. Registration is not required: just show up.

35th Annual Cherokee Festival. Sept. 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 576 HWY 360 Vonore, Tenn. 37885. Cherokee Arts and crafts demonstrations, Cherokee storytelling, flute playing, Cherokee dances, name written in Cherokee, genealogy help, craft vendors and food vendors. Info: (423) 884-6246.

Cherokee Singers Gatherings. Sept 14 and Sept 16 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrel Recreation Complex  1139 US-19 Cherokee, NC. 28719. EBCI singers and dancers of all ages are invited to join. INFO: Facebook @cherokeewintersocial.

Cherokee Heritage Day. Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m at New Echota State Historic Site 1211 Chatsworth Hwy NE., Calhoun, GA. 30701. Cherokee Language Repertory Choir, Cherokee Artist Demonstrations, Cherokee Vendors, Ranger Demonstrations, Food Vendors, raffle and silent auction. INFO: (706) 624-1321

6^th Annual Cherokee Winter Social. Jan. 30, 2027 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrel Sports and Recreation Complex 1212 Birdtown Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. MC: Catcuce Tiger. Everyone welcome. Traditional dress encouraged. All Cherokee Dance groups welcome, bring your rattles and drums. Nikki’s Frybread will be set up. INFO: CHEROKEEWINTERSOCIAL@GMAIL.COM

NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.

Qualla Boundary Historical Society. meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Yellowhill Community Building 918 Acquoni Rd. Cherokee, NC. 28719. Eeryone is welcome to attend the meetings, can join and be a member. The Society is organized to promote, preserve, and educate members of the
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), residents of the Qualla Boundary, and others so interested in Cherokee culture, history, arts and crafts, and genealogy/family histories. Follow on Facebook: Qualla Boundary Historical Society. 

(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)

Work Session on Tabled Ord. No. 250, TABCC budgets, accounts, reports, and audits required. Sept. 1 at 1 p.m.

Work Session on Tabled Ord. No. 226, amending the statute of frauds in Cherokee Code Chapter 22. Sept. 1 at 2 p.m.

Dinilawigi Regular Session. Sept. 2 at 8:30 a.m. 

HIP Committee (closed meeting). Sept. 9 at 8:30 a.m.

Lands Committee. Sept. 9 at 1:30 p.m.

Parks & Recreation Committee. Sept. 10 at 1 p.m.

Community Services Committee. Sept. 14 at 9 a.m.

Lands Acquisition Committee (closed meeting). Sept. 14 at 1 p.m.

Health Board. Sept. 16 at 8:30 a.m.

Enrollment Committee. Sept. 16 at 1 p.m.

Qualla Housing Committee. Sept. 17 at 8:30 a.m.

Roads Commission. Sept. 21 at 9 a.m.

Timber Committee. Sept. 21 at 10:30 a.m.

Planning Board. Sept. 21 at 1 p.m.

Concerts and Shows

Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias Live. Aug. 14 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias Live Tickets Aug 14, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Travis Tritt. Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Travis Tritt Tickets Sep 19, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Mike Epps. Oct. 2 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Mike Epps Tickets Oct 02, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Promotions and Other Events

54^th Annual Barona Pow Wow. Sept. 4-6 at the Barona Sports Complex on the Barona Indian Reservation in Lakeside, Calif. Emcees: John Arkeketa, Clifton Goodwill. Host Northern Drum: Meskwaki Nation. Head Southern Singer: Kenneth Cozad Sr. Info: https://www.barona-nsn.gov/

Flying Dust First Nation Traditional Pow Wow. Sept. 4-6 on the Flying Dust First Nation in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada. MC: Collin Chief. Info: Melinda Morin (306) 240-9553

LIHA (Laconia Indian Historical Association) 55^th Good Time Intertribal Pow Wow. Sept. 4-7 in Sanbornton, N.H. Info: infoforlihaofnh@gmail.com

Nakoda Classic Pow Wow. Sept. 4-6 at Goodstoney Arena in Mini Thni, Alberta, Canada. Emcees: Timothy Esashappie, Eugene Alexis, Daniel Wildman. Host Drum: Krazy Creek, Eya-Hey Nakoda, Rumbling Hills. Info: Tim Poucette (587) 892-5010

17^th Annual Honoring Our Veterans Pow Wow. Sept. 5-6 in Corbin, Ky. MC: Lowery Begay. Host Drum: Iron Lightning. Info: www.skanp.org

65^th Annual Tecumseh Lodge Pow Wow. Sept. 5-6 at the Randolph County 4-H Fairgrounds in Winchester, Ind. MC: Cricket Rice. Head Southern Singer: Ryan Goodfox. Info: www.tecumsehlodge.org

56^th Annual United Tribes Technical College International Pow Wow. Sept. 11-13 at the Lone Star Arena in Bismarck, N.D. Emcees: Whitney Rencountre, Charlie Moran Sr. Info: https://unitedtribespowwow.com

Moosomin First Nation Competition Pow Wow. Sept. 11-13 in Cochin, Saskatchewan, Canada. Emcees: Donny Speidel, Hal Eagletail. Info: Clint Swiftwolfe (306) 480-4125, Wes Kahpeaysewat (306) 480-9839

Southwest Native Community Pow Wow. Sept. 11-12 at the Civic Center in Butte, Mont. MC: Jack Barton. Host Drum: Bad Agency. Info: Brenda Jarvis (406) 498-0632, Peggy Falcon (406) 479-3249

All Nations Pow Wow. Sept. 12-13 at Puna Hongwanji Mission in Keeaau, Hawai’i. Info: https://allnationspowwow.com

Island in the Sun Pow Wow. Sept. 12-13 in Christian Island, Ontario, Canada. MC: Nimkeenhns Wemigwans. Host Drum: Chippewa Travelers. Co-Host Drum: Standing Pine. Info: Dan at recreation@chimnissing.ca

48^th Annual Nanticoke Indian Pow Wow. Sept. 12-13 at Hudson Fields in Milton, Del. MC: Keith Colston. Host Drums: Red Blanket, Stoney Creek. Info: info@nanticokeindians.org, (302) 945-3400

21^st Annual Drums of Fall. Sept. 12 at McGee Park Coliseum in Farmington, N.M. MC: Erny Zah. Host Northern Drum: Milepost 30. Host Southern Drum: Smoke Stack. Info: No contact information provided

Celebration of Native American Culture Pow Wow. Sept. 19 in Union City, Tenn. MC: Al Santos. Host Northern Drum: Young Buffalo Horse. Host Southern Drum: Southside. Info: ademaris@discoveryparkofamerica.com

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com

Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410

Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788

Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C.  For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.

MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi

Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org

Connecting to Place II: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational. Now  – Sept. 27 (Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at Mars Landing Arts Center in Mars Hill, N.C. The 20 participants are from the Far West region of Western North Carolina, representing seven towns and the Qualla Boundary: Franklin, Waynesville, Dillsboro, Bryson City, Cullowhee, Canton, Cherokee, Maggie Valley, and Brasstown. The artwork consists of different mediums including clay, fiber, metal, paper, and wood. This is free and open to the public. Info: (828) 747-7267, http://MarsLandingGalleries.com

Music on the Porch. Sept. 5 from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Appalachian Women’s Museum 100 W Hometown Pl., Dillsboro, NC. 28725. Headliner is Julie Odell followed by Savannah Page, The Cherokee Language Choir, Susan Pepper and Lee Knight. Also will have the Dillsboro Smokeshow BBQ Competition.  INFO: friends@appwomen.org

Launch of New Book The Mountains Remember. Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. at City Lights Bookstore 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva, NC. 28779.  The Mountains Remember is about Sadie Bird who lives in Shaconage, North Carolina  in 1929, having just lost her husband and children, she is forced to fight the government to save her land.

Tennessee Valley Wrestling. Sept. 12 doors open at 6:30 p.m. belltime 7 p.m. at Boys and Girls Club 280 Campbell Rd., Benton, TN. 37307.  Mid-South tag Tea, Championship match, random challenge champion Christopher battle, bring the whole family for an action -packed night. INFO: Facebook – Tennessee Valley Wrestling.

Pet Food Giveaway. Sept. 16  starting at 10 a.m. at the Cherokee Animal Care Clinic 1100 US HWY 441N, Whittier, NC. 28789.

Look Rock Hawk Watch Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. meet at the Foothills Parkway West Overlook 7210 Flats Rd., Tallassee, TN.  Seasoned birdwatchers and casual bird enthusiasts alike can witness the spectacle of fall migration. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

POW/MIA Recognition Day. Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. at the  Charles George VA Medical Center Stage, 1100 Tunnell Rd., Asheville, NC. 28805. The ceremony will honor the courage and sacrifice of former prisoners of war and pay tribute to those still missing in action, reaffirming the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System’s commitment to never forget their service. Veterans, families, staff and the community are invited to attend. INFO: (828) 298-7911.

Ecological Illustration Workshop Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. meet at the Sugarlands Visitor Center 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop rd., Gatlinburg, TN. Walk along the Fighting Creek Nature Trail area of the park near Gatlinburg.  Artists of all skill levels are invited to sharpen their observational skills hosted by this year’s Steve Kemp writer and illustrator in residence, Laurie McDowell. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Blue Ribbon Country Fair. Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center 123 Cromwell Dr., Townsend, TN. 37882. Watch living historians demonstrate open-hearth cooking, spinning, weaving, wood turning, and blacksmithing. Get up close with quality livestock. Browse vendors and demonstrators who bring genuine old-fashioned country charm to everything they do. INFO: (865) 448-0044.

Monarch Butterfly Tagging & Education Oct. 3 and 7  from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. meet at the Great Smokies Welcome Center 7929 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Townsend, TN. 37882.  This will give participants a chance to join local conservation efforts to track the monarch butterfly population during its expected annual migration. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Elk in the Smokies, Oct. 9 and 17, from 12: 30 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Oconaluftee Visitor Center 1194 Newfound Gap Rd Cherokee, NC. 28719.  Features a naturalist ramble in the during the height of the elk rut, when these iconic animals are most active.  INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Pistol Creek, Catch of the Day. Oct. 10 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Sam Houston Schoolhouse 3663 Old Sam Houston School Rd, Maryville, TN. 37804. Bring a lawn chair. INFO: (865) 983-1550.

2nd annual Pink Platoon 5K run/walk. Oct. 10, 9 a.m. final registration.  at the Charles George VA Medical Center 1100 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC. 28805. The Western North Carolina VA Health Care System in commitment to the countless people impacted by breast cancer, the event is dedicated to fostering health, solidarity and hope for the community. Participants are encouraged to show their support by wearing their brightest pink attire — tutus especially welcome. The event is family-friendly, community-focused and free of cost, welcoming participants of all ages. In addition to the 5K, a resource fair will offer VA and community resources supporting wellness, education and awareness. Race participants can sign up for the race at: runsignup.com/Race/NC/Asheville/PinkPlatoon5K

Cherohala Skyway Festival. Oct. 24 from 10a.m. – 5 p.m.  by the Charles Hall Museum 122 Bank St., Tellico Plains, TN. 37385. Special Josh Graves music tribute. Free admission. Handmade items from many talented crafters and artisans! Vendors offer everything from paintings and photographs, pottery, floral arrangements, wood crafts and turnings, doll clothes, dolls, toys, jewelry, candles, soap, and decorative accessories. Lots of kids activities. Food trucks onsite.  INFO: (423)253-8000

Cherokee Heritage Day. Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m at New Echota State Historic Site 1211 Chatsworth Hwy NE., Calhoun, GA. 30701. Cherokee Language Repertory Choir, Cherokee Artist Demonstrations, Cherokee Vendors, Ranger Demonstrations, Food Vendors, raffle and silent auction. INFO: (706) 624-1321

Forest Bathing Guided Walk Oct. 30. From 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. meet at  Oconaluftee Visitor Center 1194 Newfound Gap Rd Cherokee, NC. 28719. Walk along the Kephart Prong Trail on the North Carolina side of the park near Bryson City and Cherokee, slow down and reconnect with nature this immersive experience is designed to highlight the restorative benefits of spending time in the forest.  .  INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Grandma Gatewood’s Walk Nov. 4 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at the Great Smokies Welcome Center 7929 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy Townsend, Tenn.  37882. Explores the inspiring story of the first woman to solo hike the Appalachian Trail in 1955. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.or

Aunt Liddy Monologue Nov. 12  from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at the Great Smokies Welcome Center 7929 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy Townsend, Tenn.  37882. Introduces audiences to Lydia Kear Whaley, a midwife, healer and Civil War widow who lived in Sugarlands from 1840 to 1926. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Regal Raptors & Short-eared Owls  Nov. 30  from 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Cades Cove Orientation Shelter, Cades Cove Loop Rd. Townsend, Tenn. 37782.  experience an evening of “owl-ology” where participants will learn about these remarkable birds of prey. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org